tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33813610514432421792018-09-17T00:04:06.160-04:00Yet another infertility blog...Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-89374229461275885792015-05-04T20:46:00.001-04:002015-05-04T20:46:13.811-04:006 Month UpdateHow time flies!&nbsp; J is now 6 months old, I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to post.&nbsp; It's definitely been an experience to say the least.&nbsp; Things got pretty tough about a month after J was born.&nbsp; S was fine at first, but started having issues adjusting to his new baby brother.&nbsp; Combine this with the holiday season, and poor S was really out of sorts.&nbsp; He gets weirded out and overwhelmed by new or different situations (such as parties with a lot of people, opening Christmas gifts, etc)&nbsp; He usually reacts by acting out or getting really hyperactive.&nbsp; Well, he acted out for about 2 months straight.&nbsp; I don't even have any pictures from Christmas, because he opened one gift, then started running around the tree kicking everything.&nbsp; It was really upsetting for both of us - what happened to our sweet little boy?&nbsp; Luckily, things calmed down after the holidays and now he adores his little brother.&nbsp; He's going to be 3 this summer (!!!)&nbsp; He's a wonderful kid, very bright and happy.&nbsp; The child care situation has been a challenge, more on that in another post.<br /><br />J is doing great as well.&nbsp; He is 6 1/2 months old and developing wonderfully.&nbsp; He's a very happy, smiley and easygoing baby.&nbsp; He sleeps pretty well - he doesn't nap very much but tends to sleep from 7:30p - 5:30a without waking up.&nbsp; He's much easier than S was, maybe because we're a little wiser!<br /><br />I had a rough time of it as well.&nbsp; Starting shortly after J was born, I would have days where I felt absolutely horrid.&nbsp; Just in a terrible mood and really feeling like I couldn't cope.&nbsp; Picking fights with the Bunny, yelling at S, just feeling like crap.&nbsp; Horrible intrusive negative thoughts - nothing about harming the baby or myself but lots of "you're a lousy mom," "the boys deserve better," etc.&nbsp; I had major issues with my milk supply and had to start supplementing when J was a few weeks old, this made me feel like a failure.&nbsp; It got worse when I went back to work full-time in January.&nbsp; To add to the mix, my law firm bank accounts got audited (something that happens to every NJ attorney eventually) and that caused me so much stress that I couldn't eat or sleep.&nbsp; I lost about 10 lbs in 3 weeks and my milk started drying up.&nbsp; Finally in early February, a colleague convinced me to talk to my OB about it - he diagnosed me with PPD. He put me on 50mg zoloft and I finally started feeling better after about 3 weeks on the medication.&nbsp; I'm off the meds now, exercising and feeling 100% better.&nbsp; Looking back, I realize how bad it was. <br /><br />I won't lie, having two children in diapers is challenging to say the least.&nbsp; It's very hard on us and our marriage, but we've gotten into a routine and now we have wonderful in-home childcare.&nbsp; Looking forward to a fun summer with our boys!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBm_YnIo-RU/VUgR7BG1RhI/AAAAAAAAAXU/Qr1rJVHLyp0/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBm_YnIo-RU/VUgR7BG1RhI/AAAAAAAAAXU/Qr1rJVHLyp0/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-80083999620899273642014-11-19T10:21:00.002-05:002014-11-19T10:21:31.939-05:00Birth story <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; 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mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">As I write this, J is 5 weeks old.&nbsp; He is a dream baby, very relaxed and easygoing.&nbsp; He was slow to gain weight at first, but as of this week he is 9 lb.&nbsp; He has started smiling!&nbsp; It is a lot easier than I expected with a second baby, especially because I'm not as anxious as before.&nbsp; He's just kind of joined our household and our routine, we've managed to get out more and do fun stuff with S.&nbsp; Here's the long-awaited birth story!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DtwlQmW7BI4/VGy0kHTg2kI/AAAAAAAAATw/floehABNGrk/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DtwlQmW7BI4/VGy0kHTg2kI/AAAAAAAAATw/floehABNGrk/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At 4:15 AM, I woke with cramping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I kind of had a feeling that things may be starting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I tossed and turned for awhile, trying to get back to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Finally got up at 5AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As soon as I went into the bathroom, my water broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It surprised me and I cursed and turned on the bathroom light, waking up the Bunny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I told him to go back to sleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went downstairs, called my mom to come over, drank a cup of tea and ate some cereal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was having very minor contractions every 10 mins or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I called the doc and they told me to wait 4 hours to see if contractions start, if they don’t get going at least 5 minutes apart to call at 9AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">S woke at 6:30 and we went through his usual morning routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My mom arrived and S was very suspicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He just wanted to snuggle next to me, I think he knew what was coming, though I didn’t tell him I was having the baby that day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Bunny took S to daycare and we got our things together for the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was a beautiful, sunny morning and unseasonably warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>At 9:30 I called the doctor and was told to go to the hospital.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We arrived at the hospital and were checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The Bunny started getting woozy and had to wait in the waiting area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was only 1 cm dilated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The triage nurse, when she found out I was an immigration lawyer, went on a crazy tirade about “anchor babies” and how people are coming over from the Middle East to have babies here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Totally nuts and a really inappropriate conversation to have with a patient! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>The student nurse and I rolled our eyes at each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was sent up to a L&amp;D room and met my nurse, who was FANTASTIC. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I was given half a cytotec to get the contractions going, they got going pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I called my sister to come to the hospital later, I had a feeling I would need her there if the Bunny got woozy again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The contractions got going about every 3 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They brought in a rocking chair and I rocked through the contractions for about 2 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The doctor was MIA when they wanted to check me, as she was for most of my labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Eventually another doc checked me and I was at about 3 1/2 cm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They offered an epidural but I wanted to wait until I was at least 5 cm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>However, I was in a lot of pain, so I said I’d get it in an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My sister arrived just as they were about to put in the epidural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What an ordeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The doc inserted the catheter but something wasn’t right with it because I felt a strong jolt in my left leg when she moved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She had to remove it and start over, TWICE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Finally on the third attempt, she called in another anesthesiologist to check it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was in the space, but just barely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was very hard to sit in that position for over 30 minutes, my neck was killing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She felt horrible about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My legs were starting to get numb, so I took it as a good sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had pain relief for about an hour, then started feeling the contractions again, though not at bad as before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>However, I could feel when the nurse checked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Another doc came and gave me an extra shot of medication through the epidural catheter, that helped for awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At 5:40, the doc ordered that I be put on Pitocin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This ticked me off, because she never came to ask me if that’s what I wanted or discussed it with me at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She was obviously in a big hurry for me to deliver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She even called the nurse to make sure that she started it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I complained to the nurse about it and she just gave me the smallest dose possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Around 6PM, they checked me and I was at 6cm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was really disappointed, I thought I would have been further along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was in quite a lot of pain at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The nurse recommended that we use the “peanut ball” to put me on my side and speed things along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It’s a peanut-shaped exercise ball that they put between your legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The minute I turned over, I suddenly felt an incredible pain and pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It felt like the baby was going to come out of my butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The nurse said I’d have to endure it, but after laying on my side for a few minutes I was having a strong urge to push.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My sister ran for the nurse, they checked me and I was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I went from 6 to complete in about 15 minutes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The MIA doc came and had me push once, then she disappeared again. She had another patient about to deliver and she had to check on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I had to breathe through 2 contractions, which was agony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Thankfully, the doc came back and suited up for the delivery.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pushed for about 20 minutes, through about 8 contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I can’t really describe it, other than to say I was in pure agony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Hats off to moms who go through natural childbirth, I would never be able to do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Finally, at 7PM, J came out, with one hand next to his head and his cord wrapped around his neck!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He was totally fine, though, and I got to hold him for a few seconds when he came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was shocked to see what dark hair he has and commented on how blue he looked (he hadn’t yet taken a breath).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I had a second degree tear which was stitched up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>J scored 8/9 on his apgars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My sister was super excited to have witnessed the birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">S visited the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He acted very oddly toward me at the hospital, he wouldn’t come over near the bed or look at the baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I think it freaked him out a little bit that I was in bed in the hospital, he didn’t understand what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Thank goodness my mom brought him a helium “big brother” balloon, which he played with and then she read him a book to break the ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div>Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-5676694027365781952014-10-18T11:26:00.002-04:002014-10-18T11:26:44.389-04:00Here he is!As I'm sure you guessed, he's here!&nbsp; Baby JJ was born on Tuesday, October 14 at 7pm.&nbsp; He was 7lb 4oz, 20.5 inches and is perfect.&nbsp; I'll post the birth story soon, here's the crib notes version: water broke at 5AM, admitted to hospital at 9:30 AM 1 cm dilated, epidural at 4 cm, epidural failed, pitocin at 6cm, went from 6 cm to complete in 10 mins, he was born in about 8 agonizing pushes.&nbsp; He's very relaxed, sleepy and a great nurser so far.&nbsp; Here's a pic!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HqCpMiv11A/VEKGdvZh5II/AAAAAAAAATA/5WajUgB0N80/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HqCpMiv11A/VEKGdvZh5II/AAAAAAAAATA/5WajUgB0N80/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-6464708824835868342014-10-10T12:16:00.001-04:002014-10-10T12:16:28.895-04:0039.9 weeks, still nothing!Here I am, 2 days away from my due date and still nothing!&nbsp; Thankfully the headache went away, but the days are dragging on.&nbsp; I had a doc appt on Monday and he said I was barely 1 cm.&nbsp; I worked almost the whole week just to keep busy, luckily I can come and go as I please.&nbsp; I stayed home today, though, cause I didn't sleep well last night.&nbsp; I've had cramping and the odd contraction all week, but every time I think something is starting, it stops.&nbsp; My MIL is coming for the weekend, fingers crossed that he comes soon!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-86397495465150462972014-10-04T19:05:00.001-04:002014-10-04T19:05:33.827-04:0039 weeks = miseryI'll be 39 weeks on Monday.&nbsp; Things have taken a turn for the miserable.&nbsp; Unlike when I was at this stage with S, I am having super uncomfortable cramping and intermittent contractions if I walk around too much.&nbsp; I think it's because the baby is super low, so when he is moving around his head is right against my cervix.&nbsp; To make matters worse, I have had a splitting headache for 5 days.&nbsp; I actually went to the OB about it on Wednesday, because I haven't had a headache like this in a long time.&nbsp; But my blood pressure is normal and I'm having no other symptoms, so they're just calling it a migraine.&nbsp; Nearly a week has gone by and my head is still splitting.&nbsp; I have a high pain tolerance normally, but it is nearly unbearable and tylenol barely puts a dent in it.&nbsp; I called the OB today to see what he suggests, so he called me in a prescription for tylenol with codeine.&nbsp; I go to pick it up this afternoon and the pharmacy (Schmalgreens) refuses to fill it, saying that I should not be taking codeine if pregnant, even though my OB is the one who called it in.&nbsp; I drove home in tears.&nbsp; Ugh, I'm just praying that I go into labor soon, I can't take any more!&nbsp; On the positive side, I'm pretty much wrapped up at work and don't have to go in anymore if I don't feel like it.&nbsp; Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-6052192511976382512014-09-23T20:06:00.004-04:002014-09-23T20:06:42.475-04:0037 weeks3 weeks to go!&nbsp; I'm really in the home stretch now.&nbsp; I had my Group B Strep test last week (negative, thank goodness) and did an internal exam since I was already undressed.&nbsp; I'm a fingertip dilated and 50% effaced!&nbsp; There's not much going on down there, I'm only having BH contractions a few times a day, a little bit of cramping and pressure, but I think he'll stay put for at least another 2 weeks.&nbsp; I'm having non-stress tests at my weekly OB appointment but they have been fine so far.&nbsp; I'm still frantically trying to get my work done, I'll feel much better once I wrap everything up.&nbsp; Unfortunately I've had some angry and complaining clients over the last few weeks but I'm doing my best and realize I can't please everyone.&nbsp; I'll update again next week.&nbsp; Fingers crossed that he comes a little early!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-50384666326960886672014-09-07T11:42:00.001-04:002014-09-07T11:42:32.937-04:0035 weeksStill hanging in here at 35 weeks!&nbsp; Just a few weeks till October 12.&nbsp; I'm hoping I'll go a little early this time.&nbsp; It's more difficult at this stage for me than it was with Baby S.&nbsp; The baby's head is really low, and when he moves it around it feels really uncomfortable against my cervix and also like I might pee my pants!&nbsp; I'm as big now as I was when S was born, I can't even imagine how I'll be in 5 weeks.&nbsp; I'm running out of maternity clothes that fit.&nbsp; I'm still working a lot (though I have blocked out some "work at home" days so that I can rest).&nbsp; The Bunny is helping me more with S and around the house, it's getting too hard to wrangle our very energetic 2 year old.&nbsp; We're pretty much ready for the arrival of (as yet nameless) baby brother, I brought up the infant clothes, bassinet, etc. and made some cute curtains for his room.&nbsp; A friend will lend us her crib when her toddler is done with it, until then he'll sleep in the bassinet or rock n' play.&nbsp; S is still in his crib, we're keeping him in it till he's ready to go to his "big boy" bed, which is currently in baby brother's room.&nbsp; I'll try to update more often from here on out!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-31742174267554675802014-08-03T20:32:00.000-04:002014-08-03T20:32:19.269-04:002!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2V_8ZChSpM/U97SWWBlsnI/AAAAAAAAARE/bh-ZBpRPB6A/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2V_8ZChSpM/U97SWWBlsnI/AAAAAAAAARE/bh-ZBpRPB6A/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>Our boy turned 2 on Monday!!&nbsp; We had a family-only get together last Saturday which was really fun.&nbsp; He didn't understand that it was his birthday, but really loved everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to him (as you can see from this picture).&nbsp; He had his 2 year pediatrician appointment this week and he is doing very well.&nbsp; He is 34 inches tall and weighs 30 lbs.&nbsp; He has been very healthy, still has a sweet, happy go lucky personality and loves to play.&nbsp; He is speaking in full sentences, asking questions (his newest being "what you doin'?"), and counting to 10.&nbsp; He doesn't understand about the upcoming arrival of "baby brudder" but we're trying to enjoy this time with him while we can.&nbsp; As you can see, I'm getting big as a house, I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-34910169110261321422014-07-17T21:50:00.002-04:002014-07-17T21:50:54.366-04:0027 weeksI can't believe that I'm officially in the third trimester!&nbsp; Things are going fine so far, but I won't lie, it's getting harder.&nbsp; I've gained over 25 lbs so far and starting to waddle.&nbsp; The belly is much bigger this time and the baby is kicking like crazy.&nbsp; (which I love)&nbsp; The heartburn isn't as bad as last pregnancy but I still have to take antacids every day.&nbsp; Thank goodness I haven't had the tormenting rib pain that I had with the last pregnancy, but I get an ache every one in a while.&nbsp; Work is crazy as I attempt to get as much work done as possible before maternity leave in October.&nbsp; The clock is ticking!&nbsp; I'm going to take a longer leave this time, partly due to the holidays, so I need to have all my ducks in a row before I go.&nbsp; Running a law practice while having children is no joke!&nbsp; Luckily I have great staff and some great attorney friends who will cover for me while I'm out.&nbsp; I'm starting to plan baby brother's nursery, I will convert one of the guest bedrooms into his room.&nbsp; I'm making curtains for S's room (he has two big windows, so gets a lot of sun and his room tends to get very hot), as soon as I'm done I will start on baby brother's room.&nbsp; We can't for the life of us agree on a name for this one, we've just been calling him "baby brother!"&nbsp;<br /><br />Speaking of S, he is turning 2 in less than 2 weeks!!&nbsp; I can't believe my baby is turning 2.&nbsp; He is doing great, talking up a storm and enjoying playing outside this summer.&nbsp; He's a delightful child and while we're starting to see a little bit of terrible two behavior, he is easygoing and cheerful for the most part.&nbsp; I'll post a pic soon.&nbsp; Thanks for reading!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-19501081880197773032014-06-05T13:34:00.001-04:002014-06-05T13:34:25.923-04:0021 weeksAll is going well with the pregnancy!&nbsp; I had my 20 week ultrasound this morning and baby<span style="color: blue;"> </span>is looking great.&nbsp; Funnily enough, my 20 week ultrasound was supposed to be two weeks ago, they canceled it the morning of!&nbsp; I was super disappointed but made them tell me the gender, I was dying to know.&nbsp; We're having another <span style="color: blue;">BOY</span>!&nbsp; He looks great (as the MFM doc put it - he's "disgustingly healthy.")&nbsp; This pregnancy is going easier than the last one.&nbsp; I'm a lot bigger than I was at this stage last time, but the heartburn and rib pain isn't as severe as it was last time.&nbsp; I've been feeling lots of movement since about 14 weeks.&nbsp; I'm talking to S about the new baby, and he likes to say "baby brudder" but I don't think he will understand until we bring the baby home.&nbsp; We're headed to Kansas City tomorrow for a week - our first vacation in a long time!&nbsp; And probably the last before new baby comes.&nbsp; I'll try to update a little more often, but can't make any guarantees.&nbsp; Happy summer!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s104.photobucket.com/user/kerryberry78/media/36a2c316-4767-4670-9a27-62a8fc843013_zpsa37afb75.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 36a2c316-4767-4670-9a27-62a8fc843013_zpsa37afb75.jpg" border="0" src="http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/kerryberry78/36a2c316-4767-4670-9a27-62a8fc843013_zpsa37afb75.jpg" /></a>Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-21374206050942364122014-04-11T12:50:00.000-04:002014-04-11T12:50:12.302-04:0013 weeksSo, so sorry for not updating in so long!&nbsp; I'm very embarrassed not to have updated in nearly a month.&nbsp; But no news is good news, because everything is going very well so far.&nbsp; I'm 13 weeks and officially in the 2nd trimester!&nbsp; My 12-week ultrasound was last week and everything looks normal.&nbsp; The nuchal test was normal and I also had the cell-free DNA screen last week.&nbsp; That was normal as well!&nbsp; I was going to find out the gender, which they determine with the cell-free DNA test, but the Bunny wants to wait until the 20-week ultrasound.&nbsp; It's torture for me to wait, but Bunny doesn't ask for much, so I'll indulge him.&nbsp; I started feeling the baby move about a week ago, believe it or not!&nbsp; It seems really early but it's definitely the baby.&nbsp; I'm feeling better and trying to enjoy the "easy" part of pregnancy.&nbsp; Thank goodness, no heartburn or rib pain yet that plagued me last pregnancy.&nbsp; I'll try to update more often, thanks for reading.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-34790946354433738052014-03-12T20:21:00.001-04:002014-03-12T20:21:23.946-04:00ReliefI had an ultrasound this morning and all is well.&nbsp; The yolk sac measured at 3 mm.&nbsp; It appears that the ultrasound nurse misread or mis-measured the yolk sac last week, so it was probably never enlarged in the first place.&nbsp; The baby is looking great, heartbeat is great and there are no concerns.&nbsp; I'm very relieved but also a little irritated at the nurse's error.&nbsp; (My pregnancy nurse shares that sentiment)&nbsp; I'll have my first OB appt tomorrow morning and will also go for that blood DNA test.&nbsp; I was going to cancel it but I figure I may as well get it for my peace of mind.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-14625528044081908712014-03-06T15:14:00.000-05:002014-03-06T15:14:26.392-05:00Thanks and another update<span class="postbody">Thank you guys for your nice comments, they mean a lot.&nbsp; I did a lot of googling last night and you know how that goes - lots of bad and good stories.&nbsp; I read a few scientific studies about the yolk sac and the newest ones show mixed results for a viable pregnancy, just as the doctor said. I made a lot of calls this morning and won't be able to get into MFM till late next week at the soonest.&nbsp; MFM only schedules patients with a referral from the OB. I just switched OBs and they can't order MFM tests until they have seen me, they moved my appointment up from the 17th to the 13th. My RE can't send me to MFM because they are not considered to be OBs. (damned insurance companies) All the doctors agree I should get that newfangled "cell free" DNA testing done, where they take fetal DNA from the mother's blood and test it for chromosomal issues and gender. Neither my RE nor my OB does it, so I'll do it through a private lab and pay out of pocket. That way, if the results come up normal I can opt out of CVS.&nbsp; If they're abnormal, I'll have time to do the CVS or other testing. It will be done around 10 weeks, then I'll go from there. I have an ultrasound next Wednesday to see what's going on with the yolk sac.&nbsp; I'm going to try and put it out of my mind until then.</span>Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-86446576296339609232014-03-05T20:07:00.002-05:002014-03-05T20:07:46.472-05:00A complicationI had an ultrasound today there's a potential issue with the pregnancy. Good news: baby is measuring perfect for 8 weeks and the heartbeat is good. Bad news: I have a pretty big sub-chorionic hematoma which wasn't there 2 weeks ago and my yolk sac is abnormally large (measuring 8, anything above a 6 is abnormal). However, I'm not bleeding or spotting. My usually very chill RE called me TWICE today (left a voicemail, then called an hour later and spoke to me) to tell me that I may want to get to a maternal fetal medicine doc ASAP. He didn't say anything about the SCH, but says the enlarged yolk sac could be a sign of chromosomal abnormalities. He says it may be nothing, but I may need to get CVS testing to rule out any chromosomal issues. Ugh, not what I was expecting at all. I'm going to be a bundle of nerves until I can see a specialist, I'm going to try and get in ASAP. &nbsp; Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-80166498255267948552014-02-27T12:01:00.000-05:002014-02-27T12:01:28.432-05:00Overdue updateOops, sorry I've been so neglectful of the blog!&nbsp; I'm on so many buddy groups and forums that I keep forgetting to update here.&nbsp; So, I'm 7 weeks 3 days pregnant as of today.&nbsp; I had an ultrasound about a week ago and saw the little heartbeat!&nbsp; It was such a relief.&nbsp; Everything is measuring fine and looking good.&nbsp; I had a blood draw today and will have an ultrasound next week.&nbsp; They are still doing betas, believe it or not, today I'm up to 65,002.&nbsp; I'm feeling pretty good.&nbsp; I've had some bad bouts of nausea, but I've felt fine over the last week.&nbsp; I've really "popped" this week (already!!??) and had to break out the maternity pants.&nbsp; I've told some people, but I'll wait until 12 weeks to tell the extended family.<br /><br />I tried to make an appointment with my old OB (from the last pregnancy), but was put on hold for over 5 minutes (15 minutes, the first time) each time I tried to call.&nbsp; I was treated rudely when I tried to speak to someone, so I decided to switch OBs.&nbsp; I really loved the doctor who delivered S (see birth story), so I decided to go with his practice, even though it's about 30 minutes from my house.&nbsp; I'm a little worried about the distance, but I guess it will be worth it if it's a great practice.&nbsp; Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-76001329488890195772014-02-12T20:04:00.000-05:002014-02-12T20:04:05.907-05:00UltrasoundMy first ultrasound was this afternoon, I'm 5w2d today.&nbsp; Just one sac (thank goodness!&nbsp; No offense to my dear moms of multiples).&nbsp; HCG shot up from 1211 to 3297 in 48 hours.&nbsp; They couldn't see the yolk sac but hopefully next time.&nbsp; I'm still not feeling many symptoms other than being extra tired and not wanting to drink coffee (that makes it easier to give up the caffeine, I'm a bit of a coffee addict).&nbsp; I'm still not fully excited about this pregnancy, I need to see the heartbeat to be a little reassured.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-44114174054148966112014-02-10T19:37:00.000-05:002014-02-10T19:37:43.075-05:00Beta #3Beta #3 was 1211.&nbsp; So, a nice rise.&nbsp; First ultrasound will be Wednesday.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-62022287098305335042014-02-06T20:37:00.002-05:002014-02-06T20:37:50.046-05:00Beta #2Beta #2 was 230.&nbsp; It didn't double but the doctor is happy with it, they consider at least a 60% rise in 48 hours to be normal.&nbsp; They actually called my numbers "excellent" which surprised me.&nbsp; I'll go for a third beta on Monday.&nbsp; I think they need it to be over 1000 before they'll schedule an ultrasound.&nbsp; The somewhat slow rise is making me a little anxious, but I'll take my docs at their word and try not to worry about it.&nbsp; <br /><br />Symptom-wise, there's not much going on.&nbsp; I have had a LOT of cramping this time around.&nbsp; I cramped pretty badly starting from transfer day through the middle of last week.&nbsp; I imagine it was implantation but it still made me nervous.&nbsp; No nausea or sore boobs yet (same as last pregnancy) but the bra is getting a little tight!&nbsp; The other weird thing that I suddenly remember from last pregnancy is that I was waking up spontaneously at about 5:30 AM every day.&nbsp; That is back, unfortunately.&nbsp; I'm also feeling anxious because I'm not supposed to lift anything over 15 lbs, but that is impossible due to my little boy.&nbsp; He's over 25 lbs and though I don't have to lift him or carry him as much as I used to, it's unavoidable (in and out of the high chair, car seat and crib, especially).&nbsp; I'm trying to get as much rest as possible, but it's impossible to really take it easy due to the little one.&nbsp; Not that I'm complaining, of course, but I hope I don't put my pregnancy at risk. <br /><br />I also realize that I have never updated about baby S!&nbsp; He is now 18 months old.&nbsp; He walks, runs, and says over 50 words.&nbsp; He has been an absolute delight!&nbsp; He has a sunny, cheerful personality, is easy to please and has a funny sense of humor.&nbsp; He is staring to get a little more challenging at this age - he is starting to be a little defiant, have tantrums and test limits.&nbsp; It's all completely normal for a toddler but it gets tough to deal with sometimes.&nbsp; He's a great eater and sleeper (most of the time).&nbsp; He has been in daycare since he was 15 months old and he really enjoys it! (he was in a private home from 3 months - 15 months)&nbsp; We feel like we won the lottery with him and would be fine to have him as an only child, but we really want him to have a sibling.&nbsp; I think he'll make a great big brother!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-86789238113418825772014-02-05T09:34:00.002-05:002014-02-05T09:34:31.841-05:00Beta #1My beta was yesterday, sorry I forgot to post!&nbsp; I had my blood drawn at 8AM but didn't get the call until 4:30 PM.&nbsp; My number was 146 - a good start.&nbsp; Second beta will be tomorrow.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-11566052759745720742014-02-02T18:13:00.001-05:002014-02-02T18:13:29.367-05:00Peestick reportHere's my long-overdue peestick report.&nbsp; This cycle, I didn't even try to resist testing early, so I tested every day starting on transfer day.&nbsp; I started out on the cheapie strips, then broke out the FRERs starting at 9DPO.&nbsp; Lines got lighter and lighter from 7DPO to 9DPO, then started darkening again at 10DPO.&nbsp; So, it's looking like I'm pregnant.&nbsp; At least for now!&nbsp; For those of you who love POAS pictures, my progression is below.&nbsp; My beta is on Tuesday morning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHzUafGaUCg/Uu7Q4_yEF2I/AAAAAAAAALw/Aex7c8Cy6Ac/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHzUafGaUCg/Uu7Q4_yEF2I/AAAAAAAAALw/Aex7c8Cy6Ac/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-3047422592290628392014-01-26T17:06:00.003-05:002014-01-26T17:06:25.361-05:003DP 3DTHere it is, only 3 days past the transfer and I'm turning into a bundle of nerves.&nbsp; I had company this weekend (my MIL, who doesn't know about this cycle) plus Bunny's best friend who's in town for work.&nbsp; So I have been totally overdoing it - cooking for everyone, dishes, etc!&nbsp; I'm worried that I'm screwing up my cycle.&nbsp; I managed to put my feet up as much as possible and I went to bed at 8:30 last night but it's hard because I need to try to act "normal" around my MIL.&nbsp; I'm SUPER constipated, bloated, and crampy.&nbsp; Ugh, I hate the progesterone side effects.&nbsp; I've been POAS since transfer day and the trigger is still there, hopefully in a few days I'll see my "real" result.&nbsp; I'll keep everyone posted!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-22804472098334923542014-01-23T19:49:00.003-05:002014-01-23T19:49:40.800-05:00TransferThe transfer went fine.&nbsp; They transferred two "perfect" 8-cell embryos.&nbsp; (Heh, "perfect", I've heard that before...)&nbsp; One will be frozen, two others were showing signs of abnormality (multinucleation) so they will not be frozen.&nbsp; Now I'm trying to get some bed rest, though unfortunately due to a lack of assistance from my husband, I had to pick my son up at daycare and feed him dinner.&nbsp; Sorry, I'm in a cranky mood.&nbsp; Beta will be February 4.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-13684746181289853522014-01-21T13:06:00.001-05:002014-01-23T19:49:59.846-05:00Day 1 fert reportAll 5 (yes, there were 5) have fertilized!Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-52006704537055617272014-01-20T17:28:00.001-05:002014-01-23T19:50:17.801-05:00Retrieval Just got back a little while ago from the retrieval.&nbsp; It was very far away - my RE is borrowing another doc's lab while his new one is being set up.&nbsp; So, we had to drive an hour and a half in each direction.&nbsp; It all went fine, they got five (or six?) eggs.&nbsp; I thought the doc said six, Bunny thinks it was 5 - I was dopey from the meds when he was talking to us.&nbsp; I'm a little disappointed, I was hoping we would have a little more to work with.&nbsp; My hope is that we will have two to transfer and at least two to freeze.<br /><br />This cycle has been very different emotionally for me.&nbsp; I'm much more relaxed, just going with the flow and hoping for the best, while being completely aware that this may not work.&nbsp; I think that part of the relief is that we already have our sweet boy, so while we would like for him to have a sibling, we're also happy if he's our only one.&nbsp; We have decided that this will be our last IVF.&nbsp; If we don't get pregnant from whatever embryos result from this cycle, we're done.&nbsp; Transfer is Thursday, beta will be February 4th.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3381361051443242179.post-88589031719175097392014-01-18T13:03:00.000-05:002014-01-18T13:03:23.095-05:00Retrieval is MondayMy retrieval is on Monday!&nbsp; I'll do the HCG trigger tonight at 2AM, then I'll be at the doc on Monday at about 11:30.&nbsp; My RE is borrowing another lab while they build a whole new one, so I'm going to a different RE's office for the retrieval and transfer.&nbsp; That makes me a bit nervous, but I looked that RE up and he has good results.&nbsp; Wish me luck, I'll update on Monday.Franciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05034004540141447860noreply@blogger.com1